French Conversation · Level 11
89 words
French word
astronaute
Pronunciation
IPA/astʁonot/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)astronaut
Example
J'ai rencontré un astronaute au musée hier.
I met an astronaut at the museum yesterday.
More examples
L'astronaute a donné une interview après son vol.
The astronaut gave an interview after their flight.
Core concept
A specialist leaving Earth to operate equipment and conduct research in space.
Common phrases
un astronaute
an astronaut
devenir astronaute
become an astronaut
un astronaute français
a French astronaut
Similar words
cosmonaute: A Russian astronaut, especially one associated with Russia's space program.
spationaute: An astronaut affiliated with a French or European space agency.
taïkonaute: An astronaut who travels into space through China's space program.
Definition in French
Personne qui voyage ou travaille dans l'espace, notamment pour conduire des expériences scientifiques ou participer à des missions orbitales.
Word origin
Astronaute is a modern formation from Greek astron and nautes, rather than an inherited French word, and its professional use spread with space exploration.
Usage tips
- French may use cosmonaute for a Russian space traveler and taïkonaute for a Chinese one, so the label can reflect the space program involved.